April to focus SARC efforts Published April 1, 2011 By Janaee Stone Sexual Assault Response Coordinator HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- "During National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves not only to lifting the veil of secrecy and shame surrounding sexual violence, but also to raising awareness, expanding support for victims, and strengthening our response," President Barack Obama said in a presidential proclamation on Sexual Assault Awareness Month made in 2010. This April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which, as the president stated, is our call to establish awareness, support and prevention of sexual violence. Sexual Assault Awareness Month dates back to the late 1970s when "Take Back the Night" marches began in England. These femaleonly, planned protest marches were organized as a response to violent acts committed against women while they were walking outside at night. As the protests grew larger and gained more organization, they made their way to the shores of the United States. In 1978, the first U.S. "Take Back the Night" marches took place in San Francisco and New York City. In the 1980s a week in April was chosen as Sexual Assault Awareness Week, but many advocates began expanding their focus on sexual violence prevention and awareness throughout the entire month of April. Eventually, the whole month was officially dedicated to sexual assault awareness in April 2001. It is important to remember that even after April comes and goes, sexual assault remains a strong concern nationwide and yearlong for both men and women. As Wingmen, Airmen, Department of Defense employees, friends and family, we should continue to raise awareness of sexual violence, work to change insensitive attitudes, and uphold steadfast support for victims. "No one should face this trauma alone, and as families, friends and mentors, we can empower victims to seek the assistance they need," the president added. Even after April comes and goes, sexual assault is still a serious crime that not only seriously harms the victim but goes against Air Force "Core Values" and Department of Defense policy as well. "The Department of Defense has a notolerance policy toward sexual assault," said Dr. Robert Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense. "This type of act not only does unconscionable harm to the victim, it destabilizes the workplace and threatens national security." "As we continue to confront this crime, let us reaffirm this month our dedication to take action in our communities and stop abuse before it starts," President Obama said. "Together, we can increase awareness about sexual violence, decrease its frequency, punish offenders, help victims and heal lives." If you or someone you know has experienced a sexual assault, please contact the SARC 24-hour Report Line at (801) 777-1985 or (801) 777-1964. Resources For more information on sexual assault, please contact or visit one of the following resources: Department of Defense Sexual Assault Web site --www.sapr.mil Military OneSource --1-800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com 24-Hour Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Information Line -- (888) 421-1100 On-base agencies Airman and Family Readiness Center --(801) 777-4681 Hill Air Force Base Chapel -- (801) 777-2106 Base Legal Assistance -- (801) 777-6756 Air Force Office of Special Investigation -- (801) 777-1852 Security Forces (LE Desk) -- (801) 777-3056 Command Post --(801) 777-3007 Equal Opportunity -- (801) 777-4857 Mental Health -- (801) 777-7909 Off-base agencies Northern Utah Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (NUSANE) -- (888) 328-3605 Safe Harbor Crisis Center (Kaysville) -- (888) 874-9378 or www.womensdvshelter.org Rape Recovery Center (SLC) -- (801) 467-7273 or www.raperecoverycenter.org Your Community Connection (YCC-Ogden) -- (801) 394-9456 Weber State University Services for Women Students (Ogden) -- (801) 626-6090 or www.weber.edu/sws